Sam[ue]l L. Mitchill ALS to [Catharine] Mitchill, January 10, 1802

Washington Jany. 10. 1802. 14

The two Letters which I received from my affectionate
and beloved Wife, dated 31st Decr. 1801 and Jany. 3rd. 1802, are
safe in my possession. The Sentiments of constancy which they
contain while they give me great pleasure, give me also an
opportunity of making declarations of Fidelity equally strong.
The attachment of the lovely Writer to me, binds me but the ^ [written above: more]
firmly to her. I think this tedious and almost intolerable
separation will do us good. It will enable us to appreciate
the happiness and enjoyment of living together. I love you, if
possible, more than ever I did. Tho I am not sure this is possi-
ble. And while you conduct with so much propriety & so
much tenderness, how can I cease to love you?

Your last Letter explains something of a
mysterious Nature contained in the preceding one.. It seemed
strange to me that Chase should wish Clarke for a Tenant;
and stranger still that an application to me for a writing
to permit it should come from the old man and not
from our Leasee. Accordingly I resolved to wait a few
days, and not return an Answer immediately. And by
waiting I find the need of an Answer is superceded. I
shall not write any thing to Clarke. It appears to me the